The Top 10 Stories of 2023

These are the top ten stories, as judged by the number of people who read them, in 2023. What did you think was the most important local story of the year? Vote now!
Swatting and School Threats: An Update On Safety From Okaloosa County Sheriff, Superintendent Aims to Dissuade Threats, Contextualize Stats.

The Okaloosa County School Districts reports 29 threats against schools across the county this semester, including three threats at Niceville. But what does that mean for parents and students?
Okaloosa Technical College Automotive Program Achieves Renewed ASE Accreditation

Okaloosa Technical College celebrates the renewal of its Automotive Service Technology (AST) accreditation, setting a gold standard for training programs. 🌐 Students benefit from top-notch education, and the community gains highly skilled entry-level technicians. 🚀
Niceville High School Band Preps Show Of A Lifetime at Rose Bowl Parade

Delve into the behind-the-scenes hustle as Niceville High School’s Eagle Band prepares for the Rose Bowl Parade. Band Director Dan Wooten’s mix of excitement and worry, the logistical challenges faced by the 250 band members, and the unwavering support from the community paint a vivid picture of the dedication required to turn dreams into reality. 🌐🎶
A New School In Deer Moss Creek? Maybe. Here’s What We Know Right Now.

The Okaloosa School Board will contemplate a 30-acre land purchase in Deer Moss Creek to address overcrowding and prepare for the future. But that doesn’t mean the district is certain it will build a school immediately.
Casting Call Alert: Niceville High School Hunts for Young Star for Disney’s Newsies Musical

Niceville High School is gearing up for its grandest production yet – Disney’s Newsies! They’re on the lookout for a young star to play “Les.” 🌟 Auditions open on January 6th, and the excitement is through the roof! Director Ritchie Jackson and the team are ready to go BIG, and your young actor could be the perfect fit. ✨
Rocky Bayou Christian School Unveils State-of-the-Art High School Building

Rocky Bayou Christian School opens its new High School Building, showcasing decades of commitment to Christian education and community growth. Dr. Mosley and the RBCS team look forward to continued success with ongoing campus expansions. 🌐👨🎓 #RBCSExpansion #ChristianEducation
Emerald Coast Learning Center Opens Its Doors, Paving the Way for Specialized Education and Job Opportunities

In Okaloosa County, while most students gear up for winter break, the Emerald Coast Learning Center (ECLC) has just celebrated its opening day, ushering in a new era of education.
Northwest Florida State College Welcomes Dr. Henry Mack as Vice President for Academic Affairs

Northwest Florida State College is proud to announce Dr. Henry Mack as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. With a wealth of experience overseeing Florida’s higher education system, Dr. Mack is poised to elevate NWFSC’s academic excellence.
All But One Niceville/Valparaiso School Earns an A From Florida Department of Education

Collegiate High School and Niceville High School emerged as academic powerhouses, outperforming state standards in standardized testing, college readiness, and graduation rates. Okaloosa STEMM Academy and Ruckel Middle School also stood out, securing top spots in the middle school rankings, while elementary schools Edge, Plew, and Bluewater maintained their A ratings.